We all know that this is the long weekend for Memorial Day. I know we like to party, but it really is about honoring the soldiers who currently serve or have served in the military. As I was looking for information on Memorial Day, I found this wonderful Black History photo album that has a set focusing on black male and female soldiers throughout the years. Unfortunately, this is a part of black history rarely talked about in our community. But it is an important aspect of our history that should not be forgotten. We must remember and pass our history to the younger generation so they know where they came from and who they are. I couldn’t believe it when I found out several of my uncles and my grandfather served in the military. I heard a story that my grandfather was mistakenly placed in the barracks with the white soldiers, so he informed his superiors he was “colored” so he could serve with his fellow black soldiers.

DC Black Pride is considered one of the preeminent Black Pride celebrations in the world for or lesbians, gays and transgender people of African descent. The Black Pride Festival features activities for the entire family including performances from national recording artists, 200 exhibition booths, book signings from noted writers, a writer’s forum, the DC Black Pride Film Festival, several different workshops, a poetry slam, and the Soul Train Dance Party. On the final day, Sunday, there’s a DC Black Pride Health & Wellness Expo.

She’Baltimoreis a piece centered on domestic violence within the LGBT community. Set in Baltimore, MD, the play addresses the American social system and it’s relationship with communities that are often abstracted from proper care due to orientation, socioeconomic circumstances, and at times, discrimination. The play seeks to ignite conversation about an issue often ignored by society, and especially the LGBT community.

This weekend is the annual The Bellydancers of Color Association (BOCA) Movement and Wellness Expo. Formed by Dr. Sunyatta Amen, BOCA celebrates the sister/brotherhood, strength and beauty of people of color in relation to bellydance and other traditional forms of dance. There are classes for beginners, vendors and a night of performances.

Pearl White “Heaven On The Water Front” an Exclusive All White Day Party featuring “Grammy Award Winner” Chrisette Michele along with Be’la Dona, Suttle Thoughts and Black Alley. There will be a special white dove presentation to the children of the “God Father” Chuck Brown.

Saturday, May 26

The Yards Park

10 Water Street, SE

4-9PM

A dozen white doves released at 7:15PM

$40

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Have a night out at the country club with a performance from Carmen Rodgers.

Saturday, May 26

Patuxent Greens Golf Club

14415 Greenview Drive Laurel, MD20708

5PM

$40

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You’ll get an evening of all the usual Axel F goodies, plus nice, hefty blocks of music from the discographies of two beloved icons who left us too suddenly this month.

Saturday, May 26

Liv

2001 11th St NW

10PM-3AM

5 bucks before 11PM, 10 bucks after

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National Memorial Day Concert will feature a mix of dramatic readings, documentary footage and live musical performances, along with an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists. The concert will be broadcast live from 8-9:30 p.m. ET on PBS and will encore immediately from 9:30-11 p.m. ET.

Celebrate two Taurus Titans of Soul for the 4th year in a row…James Brown and Stevie Wonder. This time, it will be a little different: something for the purists, something for the revisionists, something for EVERYONE. Featuring DJs Adrian Loving, Eskimo, Jahsonic, 2-Tone Jones and Lance Reynolds. Come early, stay late, leave happy.